The Huntsman 140: 140 Miles for a Cure

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This June, hundreds of cyclists will hit the road between Delta and Salt Lake City, Utah. Many will ride 25 miles, a few will ride the full 140. All will ride to find a cure for cancer. Now in its sixth year, the Huntsman 140 event is a fundraiser to support cancer research at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI). This year's goal is $525,000.

Tami and Zach Parris, a couple from Pocatello, Idaho, are two riders working toward that goal. Both are cancer survivors. Zach was diagnosed in 2012 and Tammy in 2014. This will be the fourth year they've participated in the Huntsman 140. Zach says their team is hoping to raise $10,000 this year.

Riders can take on the entire 140 miles or choose shorter stretches of 75, 50, or 25 miles. Zach plans to tackle the entire route for the fourth year in a row. Tami says, "I ride 25 miles, and I feel like that's pretty good for me. I can drive 140 miles, but not ride it."

Tami takes on more of the fundraising for their team, calling up friends and family to raise money for each rider. "It's an easy sell," she says, "All you have to say is it's for Huntsman Cancer Institute. Everybody has been to HCI or knows somebody who's been to HCI. People are willing to help out." Tami says her goal is to make sure every member of their riding team raises $500?the amount that gets them a cycling jersey and Huntsman 140 swag.

Meanwhile, Zach will be training for the ride he'll be making on June 18more than seven hours on the bike. Zach's doctors still monitor his cancer every three months, but overall, he says he feels good and is looking forward to this year's ride. Zach says between five and eight people usually make the 140-mile ride as part of his team each year. "It's a long bike ride, but it's fun," he says. "Riding as a team is a lot easier than riding by yourself.

"It doesn't matter what distance you ride, because every rider is raising money for cancer research," Zach adds.

They differ on distance, but Zach and Tami both agree on the reason they participate in the Huntsman 140hope. "Nobody is immune from cancer," says Tami. "We have to find a cure."

The money raised through this one-day event goes to Huntsman Cancer Foundation (HCF) to support cancer research at HCI. The Huntsman 140 is ideal for cyclists of all levels, from avid riders taking on the 140-mile challenge to newer pedalers enjoying the rolling 25-mile course. For more information, visit www.Huntsman140.com.

Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, which means it meets the highest standards for cancer research and receives support for its scientific endeavors. HCI is located on the campus of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and is a part of the University of Utah Health Care system. HCI treats patients with all forms of cancer and operates several high-risk clinics that focus on melanoma and breast, colon, and pancreas cancers, among others. HCI also provides academic and clinical training for future physicians and researchers. For more information about HCI, please visit www.huntsmancancer.org.